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Research Paper | Chemistry | Kenya | Volume 4 Issue 4, April 2015 | Popularity: 6.8 / 10

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Effect of Soil Fertility Adjustments on Output of Food Crops through Combination of Lime, Sludge and TSP

Phyllis J. Lagat, Lusweti J. Kituyi, Titus M. Muthoka

Abstract: The population of Kenya is among the fastest-growing in the world (estimated at 41 million inhabitants as of 2010) and with this increased population and the use of conventional agricultural methods, the country cannot cope with the food shortage problem. Though Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of Kenya contributing up to about 25 % of the domestic product and about 60 % export earnings, the sector is facing great challenges the main one being chemical degradation of agricultural soils from continuous use of inorganic fertilizers which make the agricultural soil acidic thus lowering output from the farms. Efforts need to be done to find innovative ways to improve the efficiency and safety of these fertilizers. Consequently, this study sought to assess the production of food crops by varying soil fertility through combination of lime, sludge and T. S. P. The study was done in Uasin Gishu Country, Kenya since it is the food hub of the country since it is the leading producer of maize and wheat. Randomized complete block design was adopted with treatments (lime/sludge/T. S. P. ) being replicated in each block. There were five (5) treatments applied in three (3) test crops which were maize, wheat and beans. This made to a total of 30 plots per block. The experiment had two (2) blocks. All crops were planted after the onset of the long rains and harvested after reaching full maturity. Grain yield and Stover biomass were measured for the 3 crops. All fertilizer treatment combinations- effect on grain yield and biomass were statistically different form each other (P

Keywords: Soil fertility, Inorganic fertilizers, Grain yield, Stover biomass

Edition: Volume 4 Issue 4, April 2015

Pages: 1158 - 1162

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